In the modern working world, companies are increasingly looking for innovative and flexible management approaches that combine both traditional and agile elements. Hybrid leadership is such an approach that is becoming increasingly important due to the spatial and temporal separation of teams. Because this not only strengthens team cohesion, but also improves productivity and employee retention in the company.
Key facts
- Hybrid work requires a rethink when it comes to managing teams.
- A hybrid management style is characterized by a strong culture of trust, regular communication and increasing flexibility among employees.
- Managers must keep teams together regardless of location & create clear structures for the changing model.
What does hybrid leadership mean in practice?
Hybrid leadership is a management style that is based on the combination of traditional and agile leadership approaches. While traditional leadership styles are hierarchical and centralized and focus on maintaining stability and control, hybrid leadership focuses on flexibility, innovation, and teamwork. By combining traditional and agile approaches, leaders can effectively motivate and inspire their teams while ensuring that the company stays on track.
However, hybrid leadership also means that the switch between office and home office is successful. To achieve this, the role of the office in particular must be reconsidered. The employees back to the office It's all well and good to get, but team cohesion must also be ensured here. This also helps with the corporate culture to improve.
What are the benefits of sustainable hybrid leadership?
Hybrid leadership offers a variety of benefits for the company and its employees — in particular for the relationship between managers and their own team and for retaining employees with the company.
Recent studies show what the spatial separation has an impact between hybrid teams and their supervisors. Team members may feel socially isolated or not adequately supported, which in turn leads to a loss of production. Days spent together in the office create synergies, promote creativity, help with decision-making, and a hybrid management style supports this effect.
How can hybrid leadership be integrated into everyday life?
So that the team cohesion Succeeds, here are tips for successful management:
Trust instead of control
One of the benefits of hybrid work is increased flexibility. Hybrid teams can work from anywhere. However, this also means that communication and organization within the company are changing. Trust on the part of managers is particularly important here. Because: The spatial separation gives employees more responsibility. Regular feedback meetings can help to confirm the trust placed in employees and increase their motivation.
Provide regular feedback
Feedback is an essential task of management in order to increase employee motivation and satisfaction. Hybrid teams can't see the manager's reaction to their work, which is why regular feedback in the form of team meetings and video conferences is particularly important.
Enable personal exchange
To improve the sense of belonging between the members of a Remote Teams Strengthening personal information and joint activities are important. Rituals can overcome physical distance, for example in the form of a weekly virtual coffee chat, in which private topics such as holidays or family are part of the conversation. Physical meetings are just as important. If the effort required to bring team members together is reasonable, Team events and Christmas parties.
Create clear structures
Clear structures and goals must be set for successful team management. Every employee should receive clear work instructions so that they can organize themselves accordingly. This also includes defining responsibilities and procedures in the event of any problems. Regular virtual team meetings also help to set a basic time structure.
Enable continuous education
It is important for hybrid teams that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to perform their tasks effectively. Managers should therefore ensure that their employees have access to training, webinars, and other continuing education opportunities. In this way, employees can expand their skills and keep themselves up to date.
Provide flexibility
One of the biggest benefits hybrid work is the flexibility that enables employees to plan their work around their personal obligations. However, this can also be a challenge when employees have difficulty separating work and leisure time. Managers should therefore provide their employees with clear rules for their working hours and at the same time allow a certain amount of flexibility in planning.
Responding to the needs of employees
Every employee has individual needs and challenges that can impact their work. Managers should address the needs of their employees and offer them support where necessary. This could mean, for example, flexible working hours or workplace design, assistance with childcare or the provision of technical aids.
Support in onboarding new employees
The onboarding of new employees is a particular challenge for hybrid teams, as teamwork takes place exclusively via digital channels. To ensure that new employees are quickly and effectively integrated into the team, managers should hybrid onboardings and create training courses, organize regular check-ins and appoint mentors or mentors to support new employees.
